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Menopause

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Original poster

Mirena coil

26 replies

Kelwar · 23/10/2023 18:15

Hi all,

I took the plunge today and had a mirena coil fitted after about 10 years of flooding periods. I’m 48 and def peri, so planning on starting oestrogen as the other component.

re the mirena, I just wanted to hear from anyone who has one and loves it for heavy periods and also, how long does the spotting go on for after insertion. Cramps have already subsided so taking that as a win so far! But guess i’m worried bleeding will kick off.. or should I just chill?

Thanks in advance for any advice x

OP posts:
Hottytotty · 23/10/2023 18:18

I’ve had mine since 2020 and have no periods (am 51 but was pretty regular until it was fitted). I had it mainly for endometriosis but the gynaecologist said it might help ease me through the menopause as well. I can’t remember how long it took for the periods to stop completely - maybe 6 months or so? It’s great now - don’t have to think about it!

Original poster
Kelwar · 23/10/2023 18:40

Thank you HotTotty.. that’s what a few people have said .. do you mind me asking, were they proper periods or lighter than normal? I’ve been told to carry on with my combined pill for the next month as well as the coil so hoping that might help!

OP posts:
RunningAndSinging · 23/10/2023 18:43

I love it now but got fed up with the constant spotting that went on for months at the beginning. It does pass eventually, hang in there. Living without the heavy periods is brilliant.

Original poster
Kelwar · 23/10/2023 18:45

I’m praying it sorts out my heavy periods.. they are soo debilitating aren’t they? I think I can cope with spotting as long as it’s not full on bleeding again.. otherwise I think I’d be tempted to give up!

OP posts:
Snorklette · 23/10/2023 18:47

I had mine fitted at 44 for heavy periods which were just getting worse and worse. My periods stopped completely after three months, never to return Smile

Used2beMw · 23/10/2023 18:48

I had it for hrt not heavy periods.
I was on cerelle before & had not had a period for 6 years. I’ve had the Mirena in 8 weeks & have been bleeding everyday since. Weirdly I’m not finding it bad, it’s just unpredictable. Some days it’s just on wiping, some days I’ll get away with a panty liner, but then the odd day I’ll need tampons. I’m hoping it’ll settle soon.

Albatrossing · 23/10/2023 18:49

i had mine for heavy periods... i've had it for 7 years now (second coil, i'm 49), and it's AMAZING. I didn't realise how debilitating my periods had got, until i was free of them! I had spotting for around 6 months with the first implant though, which was v annoying, as it did feel a bit like a constant light period for a while, but it's been so worth it. No spotting at all with the second one. Good luck!

trevthecat · 23/10/2023 18:52

I wasn't peri when I had mine put in but it has completely stopped my periods. Its due to be removed and now I think I am peri, not sure if I will have another, would like a hormone contraception break but I would go back if my periods go back to how they were before.

Hottytotty · 23/10/2023 19:42

Kelwar · 23/10/2023 18:40

Thank you HotTotty.. that’s what a few people have said .. do you mind me asking, were they proper periods or lighter than normal? I’ve been told to carry on with my combined pill for the next month as well as the coil so hoping that might help!

From memory they were proper periods for a bit then some spotting then I realised I hadn’t had a period for 6 weeks! All quite gradual.
Period pants worked well for the unpredictability of spotting.
And it is amazing not to have to think about periods any more…

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 23/10/2023 20:42

I got one last year as part of HRT - per pp I had been on Cerelle prior and not had periods for years. I now do have periods which is annoying, but very light, just a pant liner is enough. I have oestrogen gel as the other bit of HRT.

I turned 50 in February and really hope my periods stop soon!

Original poster
Kelwar · 23/10/2023 20:45

Thanks all.. it’s so good to read your positive experiences x

OP posts:
clarepetal · 23/10/2023 20:54

I had mine fitted in January. I had heavy periods beforehand. Still having periods on coil but quite sporadically, they are not as heavy as before, my doc told me it could take a year to settle.

tiredandolderthanithought · 23/10/2023 21:09

trevthecat · 23/10/2023 18:52

I wasn't peri when I had mine put in but it has completely stopped my periods. Its due to be removed and now I think I am peri, not sure if I will have another, would like a hormone contraception break but I would go back if my periods go back to how they were before.

This is me! Mine should come out and I no longer need for contraception so not sure what to do!

ThePeachIsSoUnusual · 23/10/2023 21:15

I like mine, for me there have been no obvious side effects but I expected this because I have used the mini-pill off and on over decades and not had side effects with that either. I get virtually no spotting and have much much less heavy periods on a semi-regular basis when before I was having very regular very heavy perimenopausal ones - this was an immediate change with the coil, not a change due to menopause progressing.

cheesypeas123 · 24/10/2023 12:23

I got a Mirena fitted in July after heavy periods/flooding earlier this year after being on desogestrel mini pill for years. I was expecting months of spotting but only had slight spotting for a few days after fitting - and one or two random days very light spotting after that. So guess everyone’s different! Hope goes smoothly for you.

Original poster
Kelwar · 24/10/2023 15:26

Thank you.. x

OP posts:
Nodashians · 24/10/2023 17:01

I have recently had my fourth one fitted. The original one stopped terribly heavy periods o was getting when I was around 46.
I use Ostrogel HRT too and am happy with both.

BarrysTeaForMe · 24/10/2023 17:27

I didn't have horrendous periods, but they had become troublesome; irregular and heavier. I have had the mirena for over a year. I had spotting for 3-4 months and then no more periods. It has been great. I added two pumps of gel 6 months after I got the mirena to help with other troublesome issues. All good now.
Wishing you well with it Kelwar.

IDidntKnowMyOwnStrength · 24/10/2023 17:33

This is my third one, due to be taken out shortly and my periods stopped completely. I haven't had a period in last 15 years and am now 54 so doubt l will have any more.
My periods weren't heavy but l suffered terrible stomach cramps and PMT. I have found the mirena a godsend. Hope you get on well with it.

Noseyoldcow · 24/10/2023 17:58

I had horrible heavy periods with big blood clots. Aged 49, I had a mirena coils fitted. No more periods. Sailed through menopause. Best thing since sliced bread!

Sparehair · 24/10/2023 18:44

I had mine after I had dd and am keeping it as a progesterone drip now I’m on HRT. Before dd I was regular as clockwork. The coil stopped my periods never to return. I occasionally get a tiny bit of spotting once a month ( but only noticeable on wiping- sorry TMI). Every time I get it changed I get cramping and spotting for a few weeks and then it settles down. Best of luck. If it works for you it’s like a miracle.

Sparehair · 24/10/2023 18:45

Sorry- to add I was sceptical as mini pill gave me constant spotting and I used to get breakthrough bleeds on normal pill as well. But the mirena has been amazing for me.

Original poster
Kelwar · 24/10/2023 19:33

Can I just ask.. did you get the cramping without the bleeding?

OP posts:
Mrsworried1 · 24/10/2023 21:20

How long did yours last? I’m having spotting for 8.5 months now 😭@RunningAndSinging

RunningAndSinging · 26/10/2023 07:40

Mrsworried1 · 24/10/2023 21:20

How long did yours last? I’m having spotting for 8.5 months now 😭@RunningAndSinging

I think about 6 months. Since then I sometimes get a very light period. There is at least three weeks between them though so not the continuous spotting like at the beginning.